Testimonials

“My graduate experience at CSU provided me with the confidence, background knowledge, and tools I needed to effectively organize Chicago residents and City Agencies in my role as a Community Organizer at the Chicago Police Department during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to CSU, I learned that community development involves improving the quality of life through city planning, equity, and spatial awareness.

I am also able to apply research and geographic measurement techniques to make equitable decisions tailored to the needs of the populations I serve in vulnerable communities throughout Chicago. Currently, after having served on multiple committees within the Chicago Police Department and receiving two honorable mentions, I have been promoted to Area Youth Service Coordinator for the Far South Side of Chicago.

I earnestly recommend the CSU Geography graduate program and certification in Community Development for students seeking careers in community engagement, organizing, policing, coordination, and problem-solving.”

– Staneé Wills, Youth Service Coordinator, Chicago Police Department, Class of 2022

 

I came to CSU from Iraq as an international student to pursue my Master's degree in Geography with a specialization in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I had the privilege of gaining invaluable knowledge and skills that have propelled my career in the GIS domain. The comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty guidance, and hands-on learning opportunities were instrumental in shaping my expertise. My academic journey not only honed my technical proficiency with GIS software but also fostered critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

The transition from academia to the professional realm was seamless, thanks to the practical experience and industry insights gained through internships and projects facilitated by the GIS program. One of the highlights of my career was my tenure as a GIS Analyst with VetFedCareNet Healthcare Company, where I played a pivotal role in leveraging GIS technology to improve healthcare services for veterans along the West Coast of the United States. The interdisciplinary approach fostered by the Geography Department at CSU empowered me to apply GIS methodologies across different sectors, amplifying the impact of spatial analysis in addressing societal needs.

I am immensely grateful for the education and mentorship I received at CSU. The rigorous academic curriculum, coupled with the supportive learning environment, laid the groundwork for my professional success.”

– Zana Ghareeb, Engineering & Development Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Class of 2022

 

My journey into/to CSU was a transfer experience.  I transferred to Chicago State in the Fall of 2015.  I was previously in the Geography Master’s Program at NIU (Northern Illinois University).  I struggled academically with that program as Geography at NIU was more scientific or mathematical, a context was missing and that gave me a hard time.  At Chicago State, I felt the program was more urban, practical, experiential learning, and an inner-city Chicago-based approach.

The CSU’s program allowed me to focus on a particular branch, discipline, and sub-discipline of Geography, primarily for your Thesis, which for myself made the Chicago State’s program better. The faculty are also always available to help.  Currently, I have worked with the Chicago Housing Authority since August 2021 as a Planning Analyst. Before that, I was a GIS transportation Specialist for Pace Chicago Suburban Buses. GIS has always been a large component of the jobs/positions, but there are other job duties and responsibilities too.  Therefore, I recommend the CSU GIS program to anyone who is vying for a solid career in GIS, Spatial & Data Analysis/Analytics, and Research. If I could give any advice for current CSU Geography students is to say focus on what you know how to do really well.  For me, I was always familiar with GIS and my job search was very clear with what I wanted and was looking for.”

– Robert Hunley III, Chicago Housing Authority, Planning Analyst , Class of 2022

 

My graduate experience at CSU provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills in Environmental GIS, allowing me to enter the sustainability field and take the first step toward my consulting career. I have utilized the technical expertise with GIS software, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that I gained from the program throughout my career. My current role as a Data Scientist at DNV Energy Systems enables me to deliver insights and outcomes that promote the impacts of energy efficiency programs, electrification, and renewable energy, thereby supporting clients in managing the energy transition.

I use my GIS knowledge to optimize spatial analysis and expand the use of GIS technologies to facilitate energy transition while considering equity aspects. As a proud alum of the GIS program, I enthusiastically recommend CSU’s GIS program to anyone seeking to advance their career.”

– Raja Alfraihat, Data Analyst at DNV Energy Systems, Class 2015,

 

For More Information, Contact Dr. Tekleab Gala, Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies Program Advisor (includes MA in Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies and Post-Baccalaureate Programs in GI Science and Community Development) at Email: tgala@csu.edu, and Phone (773) 995-4435